Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

The Peon of 1929

On December 6, 1929, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity received a peon to the Supreme Council (then located at 636 Church Street in Evanston, Illinois) for a Pi Kappa Phi charter from a local group of men at West Virginia University calling themselves the Delta Epsilon Fraternity. The Delta Ep- silon men were organized in 1924 by “ten young men of good standing and reputaon.” Their aims were high, and their standard of behavior, scholarship and accomplishment was exem- plary. Of the ten men, six were elected to Tau Beta Pi (the honorary engineering fraternity), three to Phi Lambda Upsilon (the honorary chemistry fraternity), and two to Phi Beta Kappa (the honorary academic fraternity). During the three year period prior to peoning Pi Kappa Phi, the men had an average annual scholarship ranking of six among 22 naonal and local fraterni- es on campus.

The Delta Epsilon acvies outside of scholarship represented more than twenty campus orga- nizaons including the Dramac Club, Football, Wrestling, Intramural Sports, Religious work and other interests. The Dean of Men reported the group’s social acvies to be “uniformly of high order and never had occasion to discipline the chapter in any way.”

West Virginia University President John Roscoe Turner was the author of the 1929 peon to Pi Kappa Phi. “It will be a pleasure, I assure you, to welcome Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity to the campus of the West Virginia University. I am sure this would be of high profit to the University, to the group of boys who are peoning you, and an addion to your own organizaon which I trust will measure to the high standards you maintain.”

There is a level of significance to the President’s leer and the Delta Epsilon Fraternity peon being sent on December 6 to arrive in the Supreme Council office by Founders Day on Decem- ber 10.

The Delta Epsilon Fraternity members who peoned Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity were:

John McLean Adkins Charles Wickline Hill Ellis Alton Bradley Theodore R. C. King Oscar D. Englehart Walter Ware Murrill Wellesley Day Fitzsimmons Charles Frederic Stewart Edwin Lee Fox Joseph Bartle Suon Samuel Nathan Headlee Joseph Townsend Van Voorzien Edward Harrison Higgs James Edwin Winter

1 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

In 1929, the “eighteen substanal brick and stone buildings” that comprised West Virginia Uni- versity were valued at $4,462,000, and the enrollment was 2,407. Mountaineer Field had just been built for $500,000 and had a seang capacity of 36,500. This stadium would showcase West Virginia University football for the next 50 years. The West Virginia men’s basketball team in 1929 had the disncon of being the only collegiate team to defeat Pisburgh’s champion team. The “backyard brawl” started with football in 1919 and was well established by 1929.

Greek Life at West Virginia University was thriving in 1929. The first naonal social fraternity was established on campus in 1883 and 46 years later had grown to 21 naonal fraternies, seven naonal sorories, five local fraternies and three local sorories – 36 organizaons in total. Fraternies were governed by the Council of Administraon and the Inter-Fraternity Council. There were also 35 Honorary Sociees in 1929, many of which exist today. Phi Beta Kappa, Sphinx, and Mortar Board are just a few.

Delta Epsilon Fraternity History

Delta Epsilon Fraternity was founded in the fall of 1924 by the efforts of a small group of stu- dents, and the insgaon of Head Coach Dr. C. W. Spears, a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fra- ternity. The group was granted a charter by the University Board of Administraon on May 21, 1925. The organizaon progressed rapidly from its incepon, socially and financially, and in the fall of 1926 moved into a house. The first formal iniaon was held on December 12, 1926.

The Charter Members of the Delta Epsilon Fraternity were:

John Coleman Geoffrey P. Jones Win. A. Cosgrove, Jr. Lyle Edgar Langfi Ben Evans George E. Phillips William S. Hayse Leo Clovis Shinn Edwin Channing Jones* J. Edgar Snyder

*It is interesng to note that transfer student Edwin Channing Jones was a member of Pi Kappa Phi’s Upsilon Chapter (University of Illinois-Urbana/Champagne) and was probably influenal in moving the chapter toward a Pi Kappa Phi affiliaon.

These men drew up the Constuon and By-Laws, formulated a ritual, and designated the pin and coat-of-arms. Dr. Spears helped organize the fraternity for the purpose of peoning Delta Kappa Epsilon, but no acon was ever taken in this direcon. He le the University to coach at the University of Minnesota; interest in Delta Kappa Epsilon lagged and the fraternity bent all efforts toward building a strong local fraternity.

2 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

Although nothing is noted in the formal history of Delta Epsilon Fraternity archives, the general belief is that one of Pi Kappa Phi’s Founding Fathers, Dr. A. Pelzer Wagner, was a vising profes- sor at West Virginia University in 1928 and was introduced to the Delta Epsilon Fraternity. Dr. Wagner shared the history of Pi Kappa Phi with the Delta Epsilon brothers, which may have per- suaded them to move toward choosing Pi Kappa Phi for a naonal affiliaon.

The first Delta Epsilon house was located at 207 Fife Avenue. In the spring of 1927 because of the growth of the group it became necessary to secure larger and more suitable quarters and they moved to a sixteen room house ideally located on the main street where it is within easy reach of the University and the business secon of town. (The house was located on High Street where the current Post Office was built).

In 1926 a Delta Epsilon Alumni Associaon was formed by the graduang group. Each man agreed to pay yearly dues and to sign a pledge to pay $100 to the fraternity within four years aer graduaon; this money to be deposited in a fund to be called the Delta Epsilon House Fund.

The 1929 Peon was recommended by the following University representaves:

Harry E. Stone, Dean of Men I have personally and inmately acquainted myself with the members of Delta Epsilon fraternity for the past four years. I have watched them meet and solve fraternity problems and grow in strength and influence thereby. I have aended their social funcons on many occasions and found them uniformly of high standard. I have had no difficulty in securing at all mes the will- ing cooperaon of this group with the University administraon.

At present Delta Epsilon has twenty acve members and twelve pledges. It is represented in a wide variety of campus organizaons and acvies, athlec, scholasc, musical, dramac and religious. It is above the average in scholarship, has the respect of other fraternies, is in sound financial condion, and in every way is worthy of membership in a fraternity with the splendid reputaon Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity enjoys.

Ruth D. Noer, Acng Dean of Women I am very happy to be able to recommend for your consideraon the Delta Epsilon fraternity of West Virginia University. This is a group of fine men, who have maintained always a creditable reputaon on this campus both scholascally and socially. I believe you will find them worthy of a charter and we should be very happy to see a chapter of Pi Kappa Phi on the campus.

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L. Val Hood, Inter-Fraternity Council President The Interfraternity Council of West Virginia University has received a peon from Delta Epsilon Fraternity requesng our permission to peon Pi Kappa Phi. The Council has granted this per- mission and we should like to have the privilege of recommending this group to you.

Delta Epsilon has enjoyed a steady and well balanced growth since its incepon, and is now the outstanding local on the West Virginia campus. We would like to see them affiliated with a na- onal fraternity and do not hesitate to recommend them to Pi Kappa Phi.

We would be glad to welcome Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity to our campus.

Dr, Montagu F. Modder, Professor of English I am informed that Delta Epsilon is applying for a charter from your organizaon. I have been closely associated with this group of young men for the past two years during which it has grown and progressed in a very sasfactory manner. These boys are among the most represen- tave on the campus; they are leaders in scholarship, athlecs, polics and social affairs.

I am sure these boys would be a credit to a naonal organizaon.

A. L. Darby, Chairman of University Social Commiee I take pleasure in recommending to you Delta Epsilon Fraternity, which is seeking admission into Pi Kappa Phi. Delta Epsilon has been on our campus since 1925 and was founded, and has been guided, but prominent faculty members. It has a membership of strong students many being outstanding on the campus. We have plenty of room for another naonal fraternity, and would welcome in our midst Pi Kappa Phi. My own feeling is that Delta Epsilon is worthy of the honor of being your inial group. For these reasons I urge you to establish here a chapter of Pi Kappa Phi in Delta Epsilon.

D. R. Richards, Vice President and Cashier of The Bank of Morgantown We take pleasure in recommending to you the Delta Epsilon Fraternity and believe they are wor- thy of naonal recognion. They have always carried a very good account with our bank and we think well of them and feel they are men of high character.

The recommendaons were reviewed, the peon granted, and the Delta Epsilon Fraternity be- came the Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity on Friday, May 16, 1930. Dr. Wagner, along with John R. Goss (District 8 Archon), Edwin Jones (Upsilon – University of Illinois at Ur- bana/Champagne), and members of Alpha Nu (The Ohio State University) Fred E. Rector, R. H.

4 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

Crossley, Alvin H. Frye, Edwin R. Sckel, Walter C. Insley, and Marcy Powell iniated the Delta Epsilon Fraternity men into Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Alpha Rho Chapter. The official announce- ment was posted in the Star and Lamp, Volume XVI Number 2, May 1930.

1930 - The Birth of Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi

The Alpha Class of Alpha Rho Chapter was made up of the following men:

AP 1 Charles Leet AP 10 John Musgrave AP 19 Charles Fred Stewart AP 2 Lawrence Oneacre AP 11 James Wilson AP 20 Ellis A. Bradley AP 3 Joseph Van Voorhis AP 12 W. Fitzsimmons AP 21 Howard Marn AP 4 Charles Hill AP 13 Paul Fisher AP 22 Edward Kime AP 5 Walter W. Murrill AP 14 Edward Rodgers AP 23 Wilbur Massonheimer AP 6 Edward Higgs AP 15 Elton Smith AP 24 Donald Headlee AP 7 James Winter AP 16 Charles Hall AP 25 Theodore R. C. King AP 8 Jack Shipman AP 17 Carl Lewis AP 26 Gail P. Auldridge AP 9 August Marques AP18 John Adkins AP 27 John E. Winter

The first Execuve Council of Alpha Rho included Archon Charles Leet (AP 1), Secretary Elton R. Smith (AP 15), Treasurer John Musgrave (AP 10), Historian Charles “Fred” Stewart (AP 19), Chap- lain Walter W. Murrell (AP 5), and Warden Ellis A. Bradley (AP 20).

The Star and Lamp, Volume XVI Number 3, October 1930 printed the following arcle:

“On May 16, 1930, Pi Kappa Phi entered the ‘Panhandle’ state and selected for its 39th under- graduate chapter the local fraternity Delta Epsilon, located at the West Virginia University, Mor- gantown, West Virginia.

“The installaon ceremonies were in charge of Brother John R. Gass, Eighth District Archon; as- sisted by Dr. A. Pelzer Wagener, Supreme Archon; Brother John C. Johnston, Supreme Treasurer; Brother Edwin C. Jones, Upsilon; and a member of the Faculty at the University and an iniaon team of six from Alpha Nu Chapter, consisng of Brothers Fred rector, Edwin Sckel, Walter Ins- ley, Marcy Powell, Robert Crossley and Alvin Frye.

“It was a glorious event for the men of Delta Epsilon, and Pi Kappa Phi has acquired a splendid group of young men and a well-organized and progressive chapter. Elaborate preparaons for the social part of the installaon had been made by the local fraternity, the high lights of which were a formal banquet, formal dance and recepon. The installaon consumed three days and there was something doing every minute. A wonderful spirit of friendliness and loyalty prevailed

5 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History among the thirty odd vising Pi Kapps represenng the following chapters: Alpha, Psi, Rho, Kap- pa, Omega, Upsilon, Xi, Theta, Alpha Theta, Alpha Mu and Alpha Nu.

“Promptly at the appointed hour on Friday morning, all candidates, the members of the in- stalling group and many vising brothers assembled in the ballroom of the Hotel Morgan and the ceremonies started. Aer an hour’s recess for lunch, the installaon proceeded, and when the smoke had cleared, twenty-seven men had been iniated into the mysteries and fellowship of Pi Kappa Phi. A splendid feature of the installaon was the iniaon of Dr. John E. Winter, head of the department of Psychology at the University, and his son, James E. Winter, a senior. Dr. Winter is an alumnus of Delta Epsilon. The charter was very ably and impressively presented by Dr. Wagener, a former member of the Faculty at the University.

“Capping the events of the day, a formal banquet was held in the main dining room of the hotel, with places marked for fiy. The big table was arranged in the form of a leer ‘U’ and was dec- orated in the colors of the Fraternity. Huge vases of red roses also adorned the table and every- one present was given a rose as a token of friendship. Brother Edwin C. Jones presided as toastmaster.

“Toastmaster Jones introduced Brother Charles Leet who welcomed all present. Dr. Wagener then addressed the gathering in behalf of the Fraternity. His remarks were an inspiraon and were enjoyed keenly by all present. In a manner that was most interesng, he outlined the his- tory and progress of the Fraternity, spoke of its ideals and purposes, and explained just what will be expected of the new chapter. Having been a charter member of Alpha Chapter and the in- cumbent of many offices in the Fraternity, including the highest, which he holds at the present, Dr. Wagener is well acquainted with his fraternity, and his talk was intensely interesng and in- strucve.

“Dean Harry E. Stone, Dean of Men of the University, followed Dr. Wagener with a splendid ad- dress, giving the University’s atude toward fraternies in general and Pi Kappa Phi in parcu- lar, and welcoming Pi Kappa Phi to West Virginia. He made some fine predicaons for the future of Alpha Rho Chapter, based on his inmate knowledge of the past performance and standing of Delta Epsilon and of the character and type of men composing the new chapter. Dean Stone menoned that it has been his experience that within five years aer a local fraternity has gone ‘Naonal,’ in praccally every case, the new chapters have gone into a ‘nose dive’ scholascally. He stated, however, that he expected Alpha Rho would prove an excepon to this established custom and would not follow the example set by its predecessors on the campus.

“Following Dean Stone, Brother Janes C. Wilson spoke for Alpha Rho and pledged the co-opera- on of the chapter to Pi Kappa Phi and to the University.

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“Many telegrams and messages of greengs from alumni, friends, and other chapters of Pi Kap- pa Phi, that had arrived during the day and evening, were read at intervals by the Toastmaster, adding to the enthusiasm that already prevailed.

“Brief remarks were made by Brothers John R. Gass, John C, Johnston, Gene Dunaway, Fred Rec- tor and others. Brother Dunaway is Archon of the Second District and hails from Roanoke, Vir- ginia. Aer telling of the narrow escape he and Brothers Ed Bell, Neil Gilbert and R. R. Rush had on their journey to Morgantown, in which the four brothers ‘stood on their heads’ literally and actually for Pi Kappa Phi, Gene cut loose with a faceous tale that contributed much mirth in contrast to many of the more serious talks that preceded his remarks. But telling stories is not Gene’s failing; it is ‘wimmin.’ Aest the young lady that caused his party to be half a day late in geng started back to Roanoke.

“A fing climax to the banquet was the announcement by Dr. Wagener of the appointment of Brother Jones as Chapter Adviser to Alpha Rho Chapter.

“Saturday morning was spent in sightseeing. The vising brothers were taken on trips through the University campus and buildings, To Cheat Mountain, Lake Lynn and other points of interest. In the aernoon praccally the enre group of members and visitors aended the Big Four track and field meet, consisng of teams from Washington and Jefferson, University of Pisburgh, Carnegie Instute of Technology and West Virginia University. Brothers Charles Hill and Joe Van Voorhis took part in the meet as members of the University team. Brother Hill celebrated his iniaon in to Pi Kappa Phi by taking first honors in the shot put, discus, and hammer throws and fourth place in the javelin throw.

“In the evening the formal installaon dance was held in the ballroom of the Hotel Morgan, with approximately one hundred and fiy couples in aendance. The ballroom was arscally deco- rated in the colors of the Fraternity and music was furnished by a splendid dance orchestra. In the receiving line were President and Mrs. Turner, Dr. Wagener, Brother Johnston, Dean Ruth Noer, Brother Gass, Dr. A. L. Darby, and Brother and Mrs. Jones. The dance proved to be one of the outstanding social funcons of the year.

“An unusual and interesng feature of the proceedings took place at the chapter house aer the dance in the form of a regular chapter meeng, held for the purpose of instrucng the officers of the new chapter in the manner of procedure of conducng chapter meengs. To make it the more impressive, the officers were ared in the official robes and all members present were in evening dress. The members of the iniaon team served as officers of the chapter for this meeng.

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“An informal recepon was held at the chapter house on Sunday aernoon in honor of the Supreme Officers, members of the installing group, and vising brothers. Over two hundred guests were entertained during the aernoon, consisng of members of the Faculty, friends and representaves of campus fraternies and sorories. The house was beaufully decorated with garden flowers and greenery. The table in the dining room was centered with a crystal bowl of snap-dragon, larkspur, roses and iris, and the lighng was supplied by tall tapers in silver scks, placed at each corner. A pink Killarney rosebud was the favor on each plate.

“Mrs. Edwin C. Jones was in charge of the refreshments and was assisted by Mrs. H. E. Stone, Mrs. Jessie M. Stewart, Mrs. John E. Winter and Mrs. Robert T. Donley. Miss Francis Chenoweth played a program of piano numbers during the receiving hours.

“Brother Charles Leet introduced the guests to the following honor guests: Dr. A. Pelzer Wagen- er, John C. Johnston, John R. Gass, Edwin C. Hones, Allison Ament and William Simon. The recep- on was a beauful demonstraon of the genuine spirit of hospitality and friendliness that pre- vails at this instuon, and will long be remembered by those present. It was a fing climax to the events of the two preceding days.

The chapter was housed at 65 High Street at the me of chartering, and moved to 40 High Street from 1930-1933, 698 North High Street from 1933-1934, 2109 University Avenue from 1934-1935, and at 692 North High Street from 1935-1938.

One of the original men to peon Pi Kappa Phi, James Edwin (J. E.) Winter, was chosen aer graduaon to be on the Pi Kappa Phi Commiee on Scholarship, and coordinated the academic efforts for all Pi Kappa Phi Chapters in Districts 1, 2, 3, and 8. District 8 included Alpha Nu Chap- ter at The Ohio State University and Alpha Rho Chapter at West Virginia University. The Com- miee was chaired by Dr. W. E. Edington at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.

During the May 16/17, 1930 Iniaon weekend, three more members were iniated on May 17 to form the Beta Class. They were:

But chartering in early 1930 was a rocky foundaon financially. On October 24, 1929 “Black Thursday” started the most devastang stock market crash in the history of the United Sates, when taking into consideraon the full extent and duraon of its fallout. The crash signaled the beginning of the 10-year Great Depression that affected all Western industrialized countries.

In the fall of 1930, 10 men were pledged to the chapter: Paul S. Moyers, Charles Young, Robert L. Harper, John Bradley, Ralph Izard, Richard Siers, Paul Thompson, Lindwood Young, Maurice White, and Benjamin Leo Williams; all from West Virginia. The chapter would start a regular communicaon with its alumni, and they named the publicaon The Alpha Rhose.

8 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

1931 1931 ranked Alpha Rho sixth on campus with a total of 21 men’s fraternies at WVU. In March, Alpha Rho was admied to the university’s Interfraternity Council aer only 10 months on cam- pus…the standard was a one-year waing period. A new tradion began in 1931 of presenng a jeweled fraternity pin to the pledge making the highest scholasc and pledge rang (developed on a point system). The spring 1931 pledge class consisted of Linwood Young, Robert Harper, Paul Moyers and Clarence Menear.

On April 18, 1931 a formal dance was given by the brothers at the chapter house to celebrate the first year anniversary. The chapter philanthropy was giving two free meals each day to the poor through cooperaon with the Salvaon Army.

The 16th Supreme Chapter was held in Detroit, Michigan August 25-28, 1931. Travel from Mor- gantown to Detroit was $9.38 one way in a Pullman railway car! You could reserve a room for two at the Hotel Statler for $5.50 per night with a shower, or if you wanted to spend the extra $1.50, you could have a room with a tub. One of the fellow delegates at the Supreme Chapter meeng was Andrew A. Kroeg of Alpha Chapter. Most interesng was registering with the Supreme Chapter Convenon Commiee to find a delegate a date. On a detachable return card to the Convenon Commiee, you could register your TYPE preference of Blonde, Brunee or Red-head; your SPECIES preference of Co-Ed, Flapper or Serious; and your HEIGHT preference of Tall, Short or Medium.

The year 1931 brought a new recognion buon to the fraternity. The design consisted of a white star upon a gold pentagon crossed by two swords. The standing of chapters in the Effi- ciency Contest found Alpha Rho exactly in the middle: Ranked 20 out of 40 acve chapters.

The fall 1931 pledge class included Rupert Bradford, Leo Williams, John Bradley, Woodrow Horn, Ralph Izard, Lucien Clipfel, Kenneth Cooper, Robert Currence, George Grow, Paul Thompson, ralph Woodburn, Kenneth Menear and John St. Claire.

1932 By 1932, Howard D. Leake, Execuve Secretary of Pi Kappa Phi, reported to the Naonal Council that Alpha Rho was “probably the worst hit chapter as concerns the depression. A defunct bank took some of their money. The boys’ parents are handicapped as a whole apparently. The fate of the chapter lies in the increase or decrease of distress due to present business condions. If they do not improve, the chapter will go under or require considerable nursing.”

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May 1932 marked the first of many Alpha Rho members who would become members of Moun- tain, West Virginia University’s highest honorary organizaon. Charles Hill was iniated into Mountain during the spring of his senior year.

1933 December 1933 witnessed the chapter moving from 40 High Street to 698 North High Street in the middle of “Fraternity Row” as six fraternies were on the same street. Marvin Watring, His- torian, wrote for the December 1933 Star and Lamp: “Our rushing season was climaxed with a stag party at Brother John Johnston’s cabin, beer known as ‘The Hermit Hut’ on Cheat Lake. Pledges Millhouse and Tsorvas are members of the freshman football team which has just com- pleted a successful season. Pledge Arbuckle, a transfer student from Louisiana State, is a mem- ber of the freshman wrestling team, and Pledges Watring and Lutz are out for freshman basket- ball. On October 25 the acves entertained their dates at an informal dinner at the chapter house, and the pledges, not to be outdone, had a dinner for their dates on November 15. Pre- ceding the cadet hop on November 24, a formal dinner was served to all members and pledges and their girlfriends. Captain and Mrs. Whipple were guests of honor at this dinner. An elabo- rate banquet was held in celebraon of Founders’ Day at which acves, pledges, alumni and brother in the city were all present. Archon Adkins is captain of the West Virginia Chapter of Scabbard and Blade. Brother Clipfel was recently made a member of Sphinx, honorary senior organizaon. Dr. J. E. Winger and John C. Johnston, members of the faculty, have shown much interest in our chapter and had dinner with us on different occasions.”

1934 Pi Kappa Phi’s 25th Anniversary in 1934 witnessed the 17th Supreme Chapter held in September at the Waldor-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Woodrow Horn represented Alpha Rho on the Resoluons Commiee.

The Chapter Report to the Star and Lamp in December 1934 read: “Dr. John E. Winter (faculty advisor) met with a very serious accident this past fall while returning from a trip to the middle west. The accident which occurred in Michigan, was fatal to his wife, and cause both him and his youngest son serious injury. At the present me Dr. Winter has recovered sufficiently to re- sume his dues as head of the Psychology Department at West Virginia University and his son is rapidly improving. Lamar Watring is president of the sophomore class this year and sophomore representave on the Student Council. The other fraternity polician is Woodrow Horn, vice- president of the senior class. The chapter has been honored recently with visits from District Archon Harold O. Merle, and Execuve Secretary Howard D. Leake. Their visits were both bene- ficial and most welcome. We are indeed proud to announce that John c. Johnston is our new faculty adviser. In him we see an able and competent leader, and hope to fulfill his expectaon. Pledge Williams placed second on state-wide cale judging contest, and is proudly displaying a gold medal as a result of his efforts. Amonth the alumni who have visited the chapter this fall

10 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History are Brothers Higgs, Woodburn, Firzsimmons, Smith, Thomas, Hill and Orler. Announcement has been made of the wedding of Charles Leet to Mary Alice Lambert, which took place at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Thursday, December 30. The chapter extends its congratulaons and best wishes for their happiness in the future.”

1935 In the Spring of 1935, the Pledge Class included George Brown, Marn Burke, James Williams, Allen Phillips, Harry Workman, Wilbur Adkins, Cracra Forney and Isaac Judy. In the May 1935 Star and Lamp report: “Brother Woodrow Horn le school to accept a posion in Charleston WV. Brothers John E. Winter and John C. Johnston were special guests at a banquet given in honor of the new pledges on March 22, 1935. The pledges later won another dinner in their honor by beang the acves in a basketball game on March 26. They have now challenged the acves to a soball game. The acves have hopes of being entertained this me. The pledge class is under the able direcon of Arden Tricke. Howard D. Leake, Execuve Secretary hon- ored us with a short visit on his way south the last of March. Several Members of Alpha Nu (Ohio State) Chapter were our guests for a week-end recently. They saw that Brother Merle, our district archon, was safely escorted home then aer a week’s stay with us. James Arbuckle and Pledge Williams are members of the livestock judging team which expects to visit Ohio State, Penn State and Purdue in the near future.”

The Fall Pledge Class 1935 was John Arbuckle, George Brown, Joseph Bo, George Hodel, Stan- ley Smith, Thomas McGuire, Fred Nebera, Jess Park, Lewis Campbell, Frank Tosi and Harry Workman. The notes from the December 1935 Star and Lamp read: “Alpha Rho is very proud of its pledge class this year and is expecng truly great things from them. Nebera is a member of the varsity squad, holding down a posion in the backfield. Bo is on the freshman squad, and his name is always found on the starng lineup. Hodel comes to WVU aer two successful years in dramacs at Lynchburg College, VA. McGuire is very acve in 4-H work and has just recently spoken over the NBC with regard to his work. Brown is our very able representave on the col- lege daily. Arbuckle and Smith come from Greenbrier Military School, so we have hopes of hav- ing a general, or something, in a few years. Park hails from Albany, NY and having a connecon with the Bayer Aspirin Company, sees that the fraternity is void of headaches. Campbell has aspiraons of being either a G-man or a Blackstone, having enrolled in the school of pre-law. Tosi is doing his best to “Sox the men and hose the women”—Real Silk to you. Workman showed his skill as a decorator by sponsoring the house decoraons for the homecoming game. The acves honored the pledges with a banquet October 25. Dr. John E. Winter, John C. John- ston, faculty advisor, and James E. Winter were special guests. A dinner of similar nature was held for Founders’ Day. The chapter has been honored recently with a visit from J. H. McCann, assistant secretary. His visit was both beneficial and most welcome. James H. Arbuckle wet to Chicago as a member of the livestock judging team. Among the alumni who visited the chapter this fall are Brothers Clipfel, Firzsimmons, Higgs, Woodburn, Hall, Auldrige, Young and Cooper. It

11 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History seemed like “old home week” among the Pi Kapps at the W&L game in Charleston this fall. Why can’t we plan luncheon preceding the game next year? Alpha Rho’s winter formal will be held Saturday night, February 29, at the Hotel Morgan Ballroom. Rush week was successfully brough to an end this fall with a party at John Johnstons’s “Hermit’s Hut” on Cheat Lake. The acves and pledges were given a surprise Thanksgiving Dinner on November 26. Arden Tricke had charge of the arrangements. John Johnston furnished the turkey, and with three generaons in the kitchen—Mrs. Beck, her mother and daughter—the dinner was the best that could be wished for. Being a surprise to the majority of us, it was doubly enjoyed!”

1936 In the February 1936 Star and Lamp, the chapter wrote: “We had the pleasure of a visit from District Archon Harold Merle in December, and hope that his next one will be for a longer peri- od. Alpha Rho is quite acve in intramural sports this season, and has moved up eight places towards the top of the list on the last report from the athlec department. We were in the “last round-up” in the handball play, and lost two out of three games on the final set with Phi Kappa Tau. At the present me we are leading our league in basketball, and hope to bring home the cup when the last game of the tournament is played. We are looking forward to our dance to be held the last day of February. It is our earnest hope that as many alumni of this chapter, and as many brothers from other chapters, who can do so, will aend. The chapter appreciates very much the Christmas cards received from alumni and friends. Such thoughulness means a lot to the fellows at the house and gives rise to many pleasant memories. Announcement has been received of the marriage of Brother Ralph Woodburn to Elizabeth Ann Laughrey of Clarksburg on January 3. Ralph is working for the Pure Oil Company in Clarksburg. They are residing at 423 Duff Avenue.”

The Star and Lamp’s May 1936 edion had an arcle wrien by Brother Robert Harper on the Hermit’s Hut at Cheat Lake, a favorite hang-out for the Brothers of Alpha Rho:

“The Hermit's Hut serves as Mecca of Alpha Rho and W.V.U. Faculty. Clinging to the side of one of West Virginia's scenic mountains and overlooking Cheat Lake is the Hermit's Hut, the summer cabin of Brother John C. Johnston, past Naonal Treasurer of Pi Kappa Phi and present chapter adviser of Alpha Rho Chapter. Many rushing pares have taken place there, and many pledge pins safely launched, not to menon innumerable teas for the sweethearts and mothers. But John Johnston is no hermit of Alpha Rho members. It is always with pride that Alpha Rho takes its disnguished visitors out to Johnny's, for as a host he is second to none, and he is fa- mous for miles around for his delicious steak dinners. Johnny came into the fraternity from Theta Chapter at the University of Cincinna, and was instrumental in geng Pt Kappa Phi established on the West Virginia University campus. He is a graduate of the Cincinna Conservatory of Mu- sic and his large acquaintance of well-known arsts of today is evidenced by the photographs which cover one side of his Hut, autographed to him by such well-known arsts as Richard Crooks, Madame Ernesne Schumann-Heink, and Rosa Ponselle. There are many arcles of in- terest in the cabin, an oxen yoke that has seen many years of service hangs over the stone fire-

12 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History place; iron keles from Virginia slave kitchens rest on the hearth; Egypan rugs hang from the balcony, rare old pieces of china stand on the plate racks; and numerous other arcles made in- teresng because of their romanc history. Probably the rarest of all things to be found there is indescribable--the comfort and relaxaon one finds while snuggling in an arm-chair absorbing the cheerfulness and contentment radiated by the crackling logs in the fireplace. Aer a visit to the Hermit's Hut, one feels that perhaps aer all the world is not such a bad place in which to live. He has found not only the quietude of the country, but all the latest appliances that are found in the most modern of town homes, and a genial and friendly host who is held in highest regard by all who know him.”

In 1936 the chapter sent two delegates to the 18th Supreme Chapter August 19-22 in Seale, Washington. Brothers Arden Tricke (Delegate) and Williams (Alternate) traversed the country to represent Alpha Rho. The Brothers met with representaves of the Naonal Fraternity to discuss the chapter’s organizaonal health regarding Accounts Receivable, Membership, Schol- arship, Recruitment, Intramurals, Alumni Relaons and the newly elected Execuve Council for the 1936-37 academic year. Brother Tricke served on the Time and Place Commiee for the convenon to research and make recommendaon for future Supreme Chapter meengs.

NOTE: 40 years later, the Brothers of Alpha Rho would find another Cheat Lake locaon to take Associate Members for the Ritual of Iniaon…the Good Council Friary “the Castle.” Thoney Pietro started building “the Castle” in 1928 and completed it in 1933. It cost him about $200,000 back then, or about $3 million in today’s dollars. The Castle includes 3,700 square feet of space in 23 rooms on three levels. Pietro pulled the river stone for the project from nearby Decker’s Creek. He gave the Castle and 32 acres of land to the Franciscan brothers of the Catholic Church in 1949 and it became the Good Council Friary. The Franciscans ran it for 58 years, with much of that me under the direcon of the Reverend Jude Mili.

1937 The January 1937 Star and Lamp featured the following from Alpha Rho: “The chapter recently iniated John Arbuckle, Arthur Ederson, George Hodel, Fred Nebera and Denzil Wesall. The following were pledged last fall: Alexander Adair, Guy Avey, Denver Gragg, Paige Sapp, Carleton Shaffer, Stanley Smith, Hector Marnez, Alec Mellenick, Paul New and Shelton Workman. Fred Nebera has been outstanding in his capacity as right-end on the varsity football squad this year. Much credit is due him because he is the lightest man on the line. Hodel was scenic designer and Archon Orler was in charge of the lighng effects of “Roadside,” the first dramac produc- on of the Drama school this season. Secretary Lutz is senior intramural manager this year. Pledge Mellenick is guard on the freshman football squad. Chapter Adviser John C. Johnston has been confined in the Mercy Hospital in Pisburgh for the past few weeks with a heart ail- ment. We are expecng to have him with us again soon. Preceding the first Panhellenic dance of the season, the acves entertained their dates with a formal dinner at the chapter house. Alpha Rho entertained with a smoker to commemorate Founders’ Day. Members and pledges

13 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History of the chapter and a few invited faculty members were guests. Day Fitzsimmons was recently married to Bertha Marn Von Philp at Wheeling, WV. They will make their home in the city were Day is praccing law. Among the alumni who have visited the chapter this fall are Brothers Clipfel, Higgs, Smith, Fitzsimmons and Judy. James Arbuckle is chief herdsman at the Pinecrest Sanitarium in Beckley, WV. Alpha Rho’s winter formal will be held on Saturday night, February 13, 1937 in the Hotel Morgan Ballroom. It is hoped the alumni will begin making plans to be with us for that affair which promises to even surpass our formal party of last year. Thomas G. Williams is employed by the Internaonal Shoe company of St. Louis and at present is staoned in Hunngton, WV.”

From the May 1937 Star and Lamp, Historian Bob Harper wrote: “Victor Orler was recently cho- sen as one of three out of a group of fieen electrical engineers to be given a job by the General Electric company, following his graduaon in June. He will be located in Pisburgh this summer and then go to Schenectady. We were pleased to have Execuve Secretary Leake spend a few days with us in February and are looking forward to seeing him again in May. John C. Johnston, Alpha Rho’s faculty adviser, is rapidly recovering from a heart aack which occurred last fall. He is back at the office now and, with spring in the air, is ancipang with much pleasure quing his town quarters for his cabin on the lake—the Hermit’s Hut. Alpha Rho’s annual spring formal which took place in the ballroom of the Hotel Morgan on Friday, April 23 was indeed up to the high standard of former Pi Kappa dances. Brother Tricke and his commiee of Burke and Orler are to be commended for their efforts in making the dance the grand success it was. Brother George Hodel enrolled in the American Academy of Dramac Art in New York City for the term beginning April 1. Brother Ellis Bradley is once more back “in the fold” of Alpha Rho, having en- rolled for work in the College of Educaon which will qualify him for teaching school. It seems that conversaon has reached a new high since he arrived.”

1938 – The End of an Era Alex Adair, Historian, wrote the following report for the January 1938 Star and Lamp: “Gradua- on last June took several of our acves. Seniors who graduated are Boyd Lutz, Victor Orler, Jess Park, Robert Harper and Arden Tricke. Ellis Bradley, a graduate student, completed his work and Johnny Arbuckle, a junior, did not return to school this year. New Officers elected last spring are: Marty Burk, Archon; Denzil Wesall, Treasurer; Johnny Arbuckle, Secretary; Alex Adair, Historian; Harry Workman, Chaplain; and Fred Nebera, Warden. Ike Judy, returning to school aer a year’s absence, was elected secretary to replace non-returning Arbuckle. We en- joyed very much having Execuve Secretary and Mrs. Gilbert visit us in October. Fred “Chief” Nebera, our contribuon to the Mountaineer football team, has been going places this year. A senior, he has played a fine game at the end of the whole season. He was made acng captain for the WVU-Georgetown game. His great defensive play at the end was one of the main rea- sons that West Virginia lost only one game this year—to Pi, aer a stubborn resistence. We are lucky in having a very acve pledge class this year. Besides doing a lot of work on the house,

14 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History they gave a dinner party in November. This year’s pledges are Roy Jack, Seth Amols, Robert Reger, Jack Keck, Donald Lee Adamson, Robert Weaver, Fay Straight, Sheldon Workman and Jules De Ville. The fraternies on this campus have been drawn a step closer this year by a se- ries of pledge exchange dinners. Once a week each fraternity sends four pledges to another designated fraternity for dinner. At the same me, they are hosts to four pledges from another fraternity. We took advantage of everybody’s leaving for Thanksgiving vacaon to varnish the floors. We also bought a new rug. While most of our acves le town for the vacaon, alumni came in for the homecoming game with George Washington. Pi Kapps had beer stay on the right side of the law, or they will have a fraternity brother on their trail! Bob Harper, ’36, has passed his examinaons and is now learning how to be a “G” man. Vic Orler is working with General Electric, and Boyd Lutz and Ellis Bradley are school teachers. Jess Park is working as an accountant. We gave a formal dinner before the Panhellenic dance December 3. Henry Busse played for the dance, which is the biggest one of the year.

Harry Workman, Historian in March 1938, provided the following report to the Star and Lamp: “On January 18, we elected the following men to office for the semester: Archon, Alexander Adair; Secretary, Isaac Judy; Treasurer, Denzil Wesall; Warden, Paige Sapp; Historian, Harry Workman. We have just pledged Carol R. Fisher, an agricultural student from Gassaway, WV, and have prospects of pledging at least five more boys before the end of this month. The Alpha Rhose will appear early announcing our All Fools’ Day dance on April 1. The University Armory will be the scene. The spring issue of the Rhose should roll from the presses just before school closes for the summer. We enjoyed and appreciated very much the visit of our District Archon, Brother Ralph Tabor, on February 8. Brother Tabor had the unusual experience of knowing what it is to lose one’s self in these West Virginia hills. Another welcome visitor was Brother Tommy Williams who spent a week with us in February and plans to spend one week a month in Mor- gantown from now unl school closes this spring. Tommy certainly knows his shoes as his sales reports show. Robert Harper was married to Miss Edith Smith of Parsons, WV on December 26, 1937. Brother Harper is connected with the Department of Jusce with headquarters in At- lanta, GA.”

Harry Workman again provided a report for the May 1938 Star and Lamp: “Aer days of exten- sive planning and arranging, Alpha Rho brothers threw open the doors for the annual spring formal to one of the largest crowds in the history of the affair. This occurred April 1, with many alumni and friends in aendance. The pledge class held a smoker for the acves in March and invited several non-fraternity men in to meet the enre Pi Kapp chapter. We made a good im- pression on the visitors and succeeded in pledging Charles Goodlin, a Pennsylvania boy. Among recent visitors to the chapter house have been Arden Tricke ’37, and Thomas Williams ’36 both formerly prominent in Alpha Rho affairs. Brother Tricke is planning to aend the Jacksonville convenon. We are expecng to have at least two representaves of the chapter at the conven- on. Another interesng edion of the Alpha Rhose has just come off the press. Spring rushing

15 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History was sasfactory and our annual spring iniaon saw new faces among the acves of Alpha Rho.”

The May 1938 report would be the last wrien by the original Brothers of Alpha Rho.

On Saturday, August 20, 1938 the Naonal Council took acon at its meeng in Jacksonville, Florida (19th Supreme Chapter), placing Alpha Rho Chapter on probaon due to pre-war finan- cial and resource liabilies. 19 days later, in a leer to the Naonal Council dated Thursday, September 8, 1938, Brother R. Lynn Kenne, Naonal Office Assistant, reported that the acon of the Naonal Council taken at its meeng in Jacksonville had not proved effecve in enabling the chapter to re-establish itself and that he, together with Brother Ralph R. Tabor, District Ar- chon, and Brother John C. Johnston, Chapter Advisor, had closed the chapter disposing of its available property, paying off local debts as far as was possible and arranging to collect certain of the accounts receivable.

Accordingly, in order to make this acon a maer of record, William J. Berry, Naonal President, proposed the following resoluon on Monday, September 12, 1938 to the members of the Na- onal Council:

“WHEREAS, Brother Lynn Kenne, Office Assistant, has reported that he, together with Brother Ralph R. Tabor, District Archon, and Brother John C. Johnston, Chapter Advisor, had closed Alpha Rho Chapter located at the University of West Virginia, Morgantown, W. Va., disposing of its available property, paying its local debts where possible and arranging to collect certain of its accounts receivable, and

WHEREAS, Brother Kenne further reports that the charter of said chapter has been surrendered and is now in the physical possession of Central Office, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Naonal Council place itself on record as approving and confirming the ac- on taken by Brothers Kenne, Tabor and Johnston, and be it further RESOLVED, that Alpha Rho Chapter, located at the University of West Virginia, Morgantown, W. Va., be and it hereby is dropped from the list of acve chapters of the PI KAPPA PHI Fraternity.”

Ten days later on Thursday, September 22, 1938, Brother George Coulter, Naonal Secretary penned a memo to the members of the Naonal Council announcing that the resoluon pro- posed by President Berry was carried by a majority vote of the Council. 66 Pi Kappa Phi iniates had no chapter.

Fast Forward to January 1977

16 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

Steve Merck (Delta Lambda 69), a Pi Kappa Phi Brother from the University of North Carolina at Charloe (which had just been chartered in September of 1973), transferred to West Virginia University in the mid-1970s to complete his studies. With the Naonal Office’s desire to re- charter its Alpha Rho Chapter at WVU aer 40 years of dormancy, Durward W. Owen, Execuve Director of Pi Kappa Phi, communicated with Steve to put an Associate Chapter together aer interviewing men and educang them in the ways of Pi Kappa Phi. The Associate Chapter had been meeng during the Fall Semester 1976. Sophomore student Patrick Farley saw a flier on an announcement board in the Mountainlair to aend a meeng of a group of men wanng to start a chapter of Pi Kappa Phi on campus. Even though Patrick was aending Spring Semester Rush Pares, and had prey much pledged his commitment to Sigma Chi Fraternity (where many of his high school friends were pledging), he decided to aend the meeng of the Pi Kap- pa Phi Associate Chapter to see what it was all about.

The Pi Kappa Phi Associate Chapter was very different than any of the established fraternies at WVU. Young men were Associate Members, and not Pledges. Hazing was not part of the Pi Kappa Phi program, but a sense of brotherhood and friendship was much greater among this small group of men than it was in the larger chapters on campus. Soon Patrick realized that he was more interested in being a part of fraternity history than a part of fraternity degrading. He dropped out of Formal Rush, and started aending the meengs of the Pi Kappa Phi Alpha Rho Associate Chapter. By the end of the Spring Semester 1977, Patrick and Steve had become a dynamic force aimed at re-chartering the Alpha Rho Chapter. During the summer of 1977, Steve moved in with Patrick and, as roommates, the process started to bring Alpha Rho back to cam- pus by the end of the Fall Semester 1978 with an Associate Member class 25 strong. During the 1977-78 academic year, Pi Kappa Phi made its presence known on campus. Fund raisers, Rush pares, sporng events and social connecons to other fraternies and sorories made Pi Kappa Phi the most recognized group on campus. The young men of Alpha Rho spent most of their free me together at the Mountainlair. Weekly meengs were held in apart- ments, trailers, houses and in campus facilies. The group started networking with other Pi Kappa Phi chapters at The Pennsylvania State University (Alpha Mu), James Madison University (Delta Tau), the University of Pisburgh (Delta Upsilon), and West Virginia Technical University (Gamma Zeta).

The first reappearance of Alpha Rho (Associate Chapter) appeared in the Winter 1978 Star and Lamp with the following report: “Greengs from Alpha Rho! Our first fall semester at West Vir- ginia University is behind us. The Associate Chapter has been steadily growing since our reform- ing in the Spring of ’77. The acve membership in the fraternity is now 21, and this semester we plan to add at least 10 new members. This semester our main goals are new membership and then to get chartered. Along with seeking new members, we plan to rent a house for a cen- tral gathering place for the brothers. The brotherhood would like to thank all of the alumni in

17 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History the area for the help they have given us in our early days. We know that they will keep on sup- porng us and we thank them.”

1978 Durward W. Owen, Naonal Execuve Director, invited Patrick Farley and Craig Winkelmann to come to Pi Kapp College held at Roanoke College in Roanoke, Virginia, in August 1978 to be- come more educated about Pi Kappa Phi. Patrick and Craig drove from Morgantown to Roanoke in a borrowed car (Craig was spending the summer at his parent’s home in Pisburgh, and Patrick was in Morgantown taking summer classes for his undergraduate degree in child psy- chology. Taking classes in the summer of 1978 allowed Patrick to reduce his academic schedule in the fall 1978 semester so he could focus on geng Alpha Rho re-chartered.) While aending Pi Kapp College, Brothers audioned to be part of the Pi Kapp College Ritual Team. This Ritual Team would perform the Ritual of Iniaon for the enre Pi Kapp College aendees in an audi- torium to provide an example to the aendees of how the Ritual of Iniaon should be re- hearsed and presented at the chapter level. Durward met with Patrick and Craig the day before the iniaon, and offered them the choice to become iniated into Pi Kappa Phi during the Rit- ual to be held the next night. Patrick accepted the offer, and was iniated at Pi Kapp College as Alpha Rho 67 on August 15, 1978. Craig declined the offer as he wanted to be iniated with the rest of the Associate Chapter in Morgantown. Patrick’s iniaon was a historic event as he was iniated into a chapter that was currently dormant. Patrick’s and Craig’s aendance at Pi Kapp College, and Patrick’s iniaon into the Alpha Rho Chapter turned out to be a huge catalyst for Fall Rush, and for the efforts to re-charter the Chapter in November, 1978.

Returning to the WVU campus a few weeks later, Brothers Farley and Winkelmann were eager to share with the Associate Chapter what they learned while at Pi Kapp College. To further in- spire the Associate Members, Patrick drove Robert Laughner to James Madison University on Saturday, September 23, 1978 to be iniated as Alpha Rho 68 during Delta Tau Chapter’s Fall Ritual of Iniaon. Now there were two acve Alpha Rho iniates and the excitement for the re-chartering date grew.

In October 1978, Brother Farley flew to Charloe, North Carolina, to aend the Pi Kappa Phi Na- onal Council Meeng and personally deliver the peon for Alpha Rho Associate Chapter to become a full chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. On Tuesday, October 24, 1978, the Naonal Council of Pi Kappa Phi passed “Resoluon 32 – Approval of Re-Chartering for West Virginia University.” The Resoluon read as follows:

WHEREAS, Alpha Rho Associate Chapter located in Morgantown, West Virginia, has met our re- quirements for re-chartering as prescribed by the Supreme Laws, and

18 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

WHEREAS, The re-chartering of Alpha Rho Associate Chapter has the full approval of the Area Governor and Execuve Director,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That Alpha Rho Associate Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity be re-chartered as Alpha Rho Chapter on Saturday, November 11, 1978 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Steve DePalma (Beta Alpha) be appointed as Re-Chartering Offi- cer and Tim Ribar (Xi) be appointed as Assistant Re-Chartering Officer.

With the assistance of Epsilon Psi Chapter at Slipper Rock University, and Delta Tau Chapter at James Madison University, the Alpha Rho Associate Chapter became the Alpha Rho Chapter on Saturday, November 11, 1978. It was extra special for Craig Winklemann as his brother, Brian Winkelmann (Alpha Phi, Illinois Instute of Technology), parcipated as part of the Ritual Team. A very special guest, Brother Howard “Abe” Garrison Marn (AP21) aended the re-chartering ceremonies. Goal achieved!

Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, Part Two

The men iniated as the next generaon of Alpha Rho Chapter were:

AP 67 Patrick Edward Farley AP 76 John Easterling Ryder AP 68 Robert Jesse Laughner AP 77 Donald Joseph Ross AP 69 Craig Alan Winkelmann AP 78 Charles William Huber AP 70 Robert Hand Southworth AP 79 James Franklin Peterson, Jr AP 71 Mark Alan Upton AP 80 Jonathan Enos Ramey AP 72 Daniel Gregory Sharpes AP 81 Charles William Francis AP 73 Byron James Misak AP 82 David Nelson Strickland AP 74 Michael Carl West AP 83 Mahew Job Gaunt AP 75 William Fuchs AP 84 Dale Lynn McClendon

The Chapter Advisor at the me of re-chartering was Dr. John D. Brisbane, (Alpha Mu, The Penn- sylvania State University) who was the Dean of Admissions and Records at WVU.

Without a chapter house, the chapter used various Brother’s apartments as headquarters, and would hold more formal rush events on the main floor of Elizabeth Moore Hall. Their chapter meengs were held in the Mountainlair followed by an aer-meeng social gathering at the Blue Tic Tavern, located in the basement of the Mountainlair. Social mixers with a sorority were held in Tony’s Cellar, the lower floor of Tony’s Restaurant located on University Avenue in Mor- gantown. The 1979-1980 academic year the chapter was “housed” at 609 Pierpont House lo- cated at 445 Oakland Street on the Evansdale Campus. From 1980 to 1982, 505-2 Pierpont House was the official residence.

19 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

Dean Brisbane and his wife Leah sponsored an annual event at their home each November to celebrate the re-chartering of the chapter. The event required a jacket and e, and each As- sociate Member in aendance would take turns sing by the fireplace and chang with Mrs. Hoye, the revered mother of Mrs. Leah Brisbane. The Brisbane family was always a “home away from home” for the Alpha Rho brothers.

1979 The Winter 1979 Star and Lamp had the following leer from Alpha Rho wrien by Patrick Far- ley (AP67): “It was a proud night for Pi Kappa Phi on November 11, 1978 when the newly iniat- ed brothers of the Alpha Rho chapter were presented with their Charter. While the presidents of nearly all the fraternies and sorories on the WVU campus looked on, Patrick Farley (then Archon) accepted the original charter issued over forty-five years ago. A lot of hard work went into re-establishing the Alpha Rho chapter. We are deeply indebted to Steve DePalma (Beta Al- pha) and Tim Ribar (Xi) who were the re-installing officers. A parcular note of thanks goes to the Gamma Zeta chapter at West Virginia Tech and Delta Upsilon chapter at the University of Pisburgh, the iniang teams. There are many others I have not menoned who played an important part in our chartering. Our gratude for their help and guidance will never be forgot- ten.”

The same issue of the Star and Lamp contained this arcle on the re-chartering of Alpha Rho Chapter: “From 1938 to 1978, Alpha Rho Chapter at West Virginia University was not acve. Aer some hard work on the part of the Administrave Office, area alumni and of most impor- tance, students – this chapter is now acve. It almost wasn’t! An early winter storm prevented the chartering officer, Steve DePalma (Beta Alpha, NJIT) from arriving in Morgantown on me. His assistant chartering officer, Tim Ribar (Xi, Roanoke), was already in town as was the staff of the Administrave Office (Henry Groves, Frank Havard and Bill Gurney). The iniaon of the 18 new members was accomplished by a joint iniang team from West Virginia Instute of Tech- nology and the University of Pisburgh. They ended the 40 years of inacvity for Alpha Rho Chapter through their performance of the ritual of iniaon that 10th day of November, 1978. The following evening a banquet was held when the original charter was returned to Patrick Far- ley, the new Archon. His other officers were Bob Southworth (Vice Archon), Mark Upton (Trea- surer), Robert Laughner (Secretary), Dan Sharpes (Historian), John Ryder (Chaplain), and Craig Winkelmann (Warden). It is interesng to note that the original and the re-chartering banquet were both held at the same locaon, the Hotel Morgan. Of significance at this banquet was the presentaon of the Golden Legion cerficate to Dr. H. A. Wilson, Illinois, who is a WVU Profes- sor Emeritus of microbiology.”

AP 67 Upon graduaon in May 1979, Patrick Farley was selected to be a Chapter Leadership Consul- tant for the Naonal Fraternity in Charloe, NC. Patrick spent the summer in “boot camp” with five other Leadership Consultants for intense chapter leadership training. Patrick started his Consultant work with Delta Kappa Chapter at Pembroke College in Pembroke, NC, and (78 chap- ters later) finished the consulng year with Delta Chi Chapter at Kansas State University in Man- haan, KS.

20 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

Coming back to Charloe for the summer of 1980, Patrick was chosen to be the first Administra- tor of Pi Kappa Phi’s naonal philanthropy Project P.U.S.H. (Play Units for the Severely Handi- capped). Patrick worked closely with Durward Owen (Xi Chapter, Roanoke College) and the project’s creator Thomas Sayre (an alumnus iniate of Kappa Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) to develop a chapter markeng program, as well as a public relaons program in the greater Charloe area. Patrick appeared on talk shows and radio shows to grow the naonal aenon to the needs of the severely handicapped. The very first large-scale fundraiser was a concert donated by the band ALABAMA at Carowinds amusement park in Charloe, NC. The band’s lead singer was Brother Randy Owen (Delta Epsilon, Jacksonville State University) and the band was releasing its first album in conjuncon with the Carowinds con- cert. Patrick drove the band members throughout the Charloe area stopping at music stores and radio staons for album signing events. Even in a torrenal downpour, the concert went on and over $10,000 was raised for Project PUSH.

Over the years, Project P.U.S.H. would become PUSH America, and finally The Ability Experience with its own management and fund raising systems.

Aer serving the Naonal Fraternity for two years out of Charloe, NC, Patrick headed back to West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, to complete his Master of Public Administraon degree, and his Doctor of Educaon degree which prepared him for the next 15 years of univer- sity work with Greek Life at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA), West Chester Uni- versity (West Chester, PA) and Duquesne University of the Holy Ghost (Pisburgh, PA). While in Morgantown, Patrick served on the Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon and the Alumni Advisory Board. Patrick connued volunteering with the Naonal Fraternity as the Chair of the Educaon Commiee, Chair of the Resoluons Commiee for four Supreme Chapter meengs, and Area Counselor for Area I. During his years of work in Higher Educaon, Patrick volunteered as Exec- uve Director of the Northeast Interfraternity Conference (NEIFC) for five years bringing his knowledge of student leadership to more than 200 campuses in the greater northeast.

While serving the Fraternity as Area Counselor from 1982-1987, Patrick developed the Area Conclave educaon model which was the naonal standard for gathering chapters for leader- ship training between Pi Kapp College and/or Supreme Chapter sessions. By 1987, the Area Conclave developed into the Chapter Mid-Year Leadership Conference and is now referred to as Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers. On August 14, 1987, during the 42nd Supreme Chapter held in Dallas, TX, Patrick was presented with the Pi Kappa Phi Merit Citaon for his ground- breaking programs to include as many undergraduate chapters as possible. The Merit Citaon is awarded biennially and is presented to alumni who exhibit exceponally meritorious service on behalf of the Greater Fraternity. First awarded in 1934 at the 17th Supreme Chapter, fewer than 250 alumni have received a Merit Citaon. Later that same year, Patrick would receive the Dis- nguished Service Award from the Naonal Associaon of Fraternity Advisors for his develop- ment and expansion of the NEIFC.

The Undergraduate Chapter Journey Connues

1979

21 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

During the 75th Supreme Chapter held in Charleston, SC in August 1979, Alpha Rho was one of four chapters awarded the President’s Club plaque for raising more than $1,000 for PUSH. The Supreme Chapter Delegates for Alpha Rho were Robert Laughner (AP68), Craig Winkelmann (AP69), James Peterson (AP79) and Charlie Francis (AP81). The President’s Club award would be given to Alpha Rho again in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985.

1979 also brought to the chapter the Master Chapter Award for excellence in scholasc, leader- ship and financial stability. These accolades prompted the very first alumni communicaon sent by Archon Robert Laughner (AP68) on September 7, 1979. This form of Alpha Rho alumni communicaon became The Alpha Rhose in December 1979 which included updates from the Execuve Council and Commiee Chairs, as well as news of Alpha Rho alumni around the world.

Alpha Rho joined the West Virginia University Interfraternity Council during the fall of 1979 and has remained acve with the IFC through the years.

The Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon requested State of WV incorporaon in 1979. The first Housing Corporaon Board was President Bill Coleman (Alpha Phi, IIT, Vice President of West- over Bank), Dean John Brisbane (Alpha MU, Penn State, Dean of WVU Admissions and Records), Bill Stees (Alpha Upsilon, Drexel) and Craig Seacrist (Alpha Upsilon, Drexel). Brothers Stees and Seacrist were working in the Morgantown area aer graduang from Drexel University in Phil- adelphia.

Alpha Rho engaged in its first sorority mixer with the members of Delta Delta Delta Sorority on November 1, 1979 at the Red Cellar in Morgantown. Craig Winkelmann (AP69) became a char- ter member of the Golden Key Naonal Honor Society.

The Star and Lamp presented the following chapter report in the Winter 1980 edion: “Greet- ings y’all from Morgantown. Aer one year on the West Virginia campus, Alpha Rho has found itself highly respected among WVU’s other Greeks. In late September 1979, the chapter official- ly became a member of the IFC and is now taking an acve role in IFC funcons. The Brothers have parcipated in two very worthwhile community service projects this semester. First, we helped WVU’s Blood Bank in keeping its life-blood flowing. In addion, we are helping a needy graduate student obtain funds for a thesis journey to Scotland. Our school year started with a successful retreat in the mountains of West Virginia where the Brothers planned the fall se- mester. A second retreat was held mid-semester at a Holiday Inn in Uniontown, PA at which me we evaluated what had been accomplished and what is yet to come. The Chapter was very supporve of the mighty Mountaineer football team this season. The Brothers aended on masse while six of the Brothers parcipated in one of the best college bands in the country – the Pride of West Virginia. During the “Backyard Brawl” with Pi, the Brothers met half a day early at the stadium to start the fesvies. On the sporng side of the Chapter, the athletes were rather anemic. Aer our captain broke his hand in pracce, it was all downhill for the football team. The Alpha Rho tennis team had a lot more success than the Gridders. Aer los- ing the first tennis match, the team proceeded to win four straight matches to capture the White Fraternity League crown. On December 7, there were five new addions to the Chapter. These men have parcipated in everything from community service to intramurals. While end- ing the semester, Alpha Rho is hoping to have one of the highest GPA among all of the fraterni-

22 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

es on campus for the third straight semester. Last semester the chapter achieved clost to a 3.0 overall average and this semester a higher one is expected. Alpha Rho will spotlight the year with their PUSH Project. Led by Chairman Steve Woodard, the Pi Kapps are well on their way toward reaching their goal. The Chapter is hoping to raise enough money to buy a PUSH unit for the Colin-Anderson Center in St. Mary’s, WV. Some of the planned PUSH events are car washes, raffles, a benefit dinner and capping off the year with a PUSH-A-Thon on April 12 where a wheelchair will be PUSHed from Morgantown to St. Mary’s to raise contribuons.”

PUSHing Forward

1980 On April 11/12, 1980, Alpha Rho combined their efforts in a full-scale PUSH-a-thon which trav- eled 100 miles from Morgantown to Parkersburg, WV. The PUSH-a-thon was the culminaon of a year-long effort by the chapter to design a fund raising event which would not only prove suc- cessful but would enable the enre chapter to parcipate. Plans for the event began in August 1979 when chapter members aending Supreme Chapter in Charleston met with PUSH Design- er Tom Sayre. Upon returning to Morgantown, Co-Chairmen for the project Steve Woodard (AP86) and Chuck Dunbar (AP90) began coordinang media coverage, small fund raising events, support from community groups, and logiscs.

Governor John D. Rockefeller IV assisted the effort by proclaiming April 7-13, 1980, as PUSH Week in West Virginia, and in doing so “urged all able-bodied and disabled adults to become aware of the many needs of West Virginia’s severely disabled children and adults.” As part of PUSH Week, members manned a special display table in the Mountainlair.

A major part of the chapter’s effort during the year focused on contacng local community and campus organizaons concerning the efforts to build a PUSH unit at the Colin Anderson Center in St. Mary’s, WV. Over 50 organizaons were contacted by the commiee, many of which in- vited brothers to speak at their meengs. Over $500 in contribuons came from such visits.

Aer months of planning, the actual PUSH-a-thon began early on the morning of April 11 as Dean Joseph Gluck, Vice President of WVU, took the first turn pushing the wheelchair. PUSH Designer Tom Sayre and Chapter Leadership Consultant Patrick Farley (AP67) were also present for this event.

The actual safety consideraons and route planning were coordinated by Brother Dunbar. The 100 mile journey was completed in 16.5 hours with an average speed of six miles per hour. At one point the police clocked the chair traveling at 12 miles per hour!

Upon arriving in Parkersburg, Gordon Bourland, a representave from the Colin Anderson Cen- ter, addressed the group and presented the project with a check from the staff members of the center. Funds from other events and those raised through the PUSH-a-thon exceeded the amount necessary to finance the WV unit.

The Spring 1980 Star and Lamp provided the following report: “As the semester started here at WVU, many of Alpha Rho’s plans were already in full swing. Many of the brothers met over the

23 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

Christmas break to get things started. Our two main priories so far have been our housing project and PUSH. Alpha Rho’s search for a house has met with lile success, but this hasn’t discouraged the Brothers in the least. We connue to check the Morgantown housing situaon daily. Our efforts in PUSH are going very well, with all plans in their final steps. Under chairman Steve Woodard, response to PUSH from both the University and the community has been excel- lent. Pledges and contribuons from many community organizaons and University organiza- ons are beginning to come in. We have been in contact with over 100 corporaons and busi- nesses in the Morgantown area. Governor John D. Rockefeller, IV has issued a proclamaon making April 8-12 Push Week. Our PUSH campaign for this school year will climax with our PUSH-A-Thon. The Chapter will push a wheelchair from Morgantown to the Colin-Anderson Center in St. Mary’s WV where we hope to get a PUSH unit. The 100 mile route is in the process of being approved by the West Virginia State Police. Also, each County Sheriff involved has been asked to escort us through his county. The Brothers are taking pledges on a per-mile basis, which has also met with much success. The Chapter has connued its blood donaon commu- nity service project in the semester. Alpha Rho has been a big factor in helping the University Blood Bank. By the end of the year many of the Brothers will have donated blood. The Chapter is again acve in the intramural program. With one more win the basketball team will move into the semi-finals. The bowling team is alive and holding its own. April will see five new addi- ons to the Chapter. These five associate members are acve on many commiees and have a carwash for PUSH planned as their pledge project. Alpha Rho also has two alumni associate members this semester. Alpha Rho will round out two years here on the WVU campus in April. The Chapter has worked very hard and aained many goals, but we sll have a long road ahead of us. We will connue to work and grow and make our presence known here on campus and naonally. Yes, Pi Kappa Phi, there is a West Virginia!”

The Fall of 1980 witnessed the cult movie “Animal House” filmed at the Pi Kappa Phi Alpha Omega house at the University of Oregon. And the same year brought Brother Randy Owen (Delta Epsilon, Jacksonville State University) and his band ALABAMA to the top of the Charts.

The Winter 1981 Star and Lamp report was: “As the semester here at WVU began, the Brothers were ready to make this semester one of the best in Alpha Rho’s two-year history. The se- mester started out with a retreat to plan for rush and for seng some goals for this semester. I was held in the mountains around Morgantown, a perfect seng to get together and talk about Fraternity and Brotherhood. Rush for us this semester was very successful. We took 10 As- sociates, and on December 4, these fine young men were acve. As Associates, they were ac- ve in the fraternity and we have high hopes for them in the coming semesters. In the area of sports, the chapter was very acve. The brothers were out there every Saturday roong for the Mountaineers and their new coach. Some of the football spirit must have rubbed off, for our intramural football team finished with a record of 3 and 5. Not a winning season, but the im- provement over the previous seasons is staggering. Alpha Rho has connued its excellent record in the area of community service. Again this semester the Brothers donated blood to the area blood bank. We also raked leaves at a neighborhood church and went out to a local so- ball field to clean it up. This semester has produced a housing commiee that just won’t quit. The search for a house has intensified greatly and several prospecve sites have been found, nut nothing is definite yet. The march will connue, however, unl something is found. In the IFC department, Alpha Rho has done well indeed. We captured first place in the fraternity divi-

24 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History sion of Greek Sing and finished respectably in overall Greek Week. One of our Brothers was elected IFC Vice President, and we are very proud of him. Plans are now in the making for host- ing an Area Conclave next semester. Although no definite plans have been set, they are in the making and everyone here is very excited about the idea. In conclusion, this semester has been a very good one for Alpha Rho and things are looking good for next semester. Alpha Rho is alive and kickin’!”

1981 The Alpha Rho report for the Summer 1981 Star and Lamp: “The spring semester of 1981 is go- ing to be a very busy one for the Brothers of Alpha Rho. Plans are now in full swing for PUSH and an Area Conclave that the chapter will host. Will the Brothers of Alpha Rho do it again? The chapter is planning another PUSH-A-Thon under the guidance of PUSH chairman Chuck Hu- ber. The Brothers plan to push a wheelchair for 100 miles around the WVU Coliseum and col- lect donaons per mile. Plans to contact a radio staon and for sorority assistance are being pursued. Alpha Rho is to be the ground host for an Area Conclave. Invitaons have been ex- tended to the chapters in Area XXIII and responses are now being received. It is the foal of the chapter not only to make the vising Brothers feel welcome, but in addion to make the Con- clave a substanal experience. Rush is going very well. The new Associate Members are work- ing hard and the Brothers wish to extend their gratude to these fine men. Our search for a house is sll in progress. The chapter has been looking at different prospects. The search of the Morgantown area will connue. Alpha Rho’s presence on campus is being widely recognized and through connual Brotherhood the chapter will become even more successful. We are de- termined not only to be the “Number One” fraternity on campus, but also to make our presence known naonwide. We extend our blessings to all of the chapters of Pi Kappa Phi. Go get ‘em Pi Kapps!”

The Winter 1982 edion of the Star and Lamp Alpha Rho report: “The Brothers at West Virginia University send their best to all alumni and Brothers everywhere! A las has happened this fall. First, we would like to ask all Brothers to say a prayer for Brother Lawrence F. Oneacre (AP2) who recently passed away in his hometown of New Marnsville, West Virginia. His is sadly missed by all the Brothers here at WVU. Turning to some brighter news, let it be known that Alpha Rho NOW HAS A HOUSE! Thanks to the hard work of alumnus Brothers Pat Farley and Bill Coleman, housing directors, as well as many others, this chapter will be able to move into the two-story building this summer. It is located on the downtown campus. We invite all Brothers to visit us at the Pi Kappa Phi house next fall. Homecoming was especially good to the Brothers at West Virginia this fall. Our chapter sweetheart Sandy Yarish, a music major from Carmichael, Pennsylvania, was chosen as the 1981 WVU Homecoming Queen at special pre-game cere- monies before the student body. Newly elected Archon Edward Neese was Sandy’s escort. Ini- ated into the Chapter on December 3, 1981 were David Edward, Jay Marano, Tom Huffman and Sean Cunningham. Our third annual PUSH-A-Thon will be much bigger this year. On April 24, 1982, the Brothers along with many volunteers will push a wheelchair around the perimeter of the Morgantown Mall in Morgantown. Brother Gary Thompson is spearheading the Chap- ter’s efforts. A large PUSH booth will be set up in the Mall. We raised funds for the unit placed on Colin-Anderson Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia. It is performing well and is presently being much used. Alpha Rho will connue to be a President’s Club Chapter. In conclusion, we wish all other chapters and brothers everywhere connued success and godspeed.

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1982 In the summer of 1982 the fraternity secured their first house at 206 Grant Street – directly across from the entrance to Summit Hall (a private resident apartment complex in the Sunny- side neighborhood). During the summer and fall of 1982, chapter Green Reports to the Naonal Fraternity signaled a need for change in chapter leadership and management. A major re-orga- nizaon of the chapter occurred in the spring of 1983 under the leadership of Archon Giles Davidson, Chapter Advisor John Brisbane, Housing Corporaon President Patrick Farley and Glenn Dixson, Assistant Execuve Director of Pi Kappa Phi Naonal Fraternity. Aer the reorga- nizaon, 10 acve Brothers remained to lead the chapter. At the same me, Dean Brisbane de- cided to step down as Chapter Advisor. As his replacement, Dean Brisbane suggested Dr. Nicholas ‘Nick” Evans, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Director of the Undergraduate Advisement Center. As Dr. Evans was not a member of Pi Kappa Phi, the chapter iniated him as an Alumnus Iniate on April 16, 1983. Dean Brisbane would remain as Alpha Rho Chapter Advisor Emeritus for the remainder of his life. The reorganizaon resulted in the Alpha Rho Charter being placed in escrow, not with the Naonal Fraternity, but with the local Alumni and Advisors.

Alpha Rho Gets a House and a Sweetheart! Karen Hooten of Bridgeport, WV, became the first Chapter Sweetheart. Karen was a senior ma- joring in educaon and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

The Naonal Rose Queen compeon in 1982 culminated with Alpha Rho’s Rose Queen nomi- nee Sandra Ann Yarish placing as Second Runner-up during Pi Kapp College in Roanoke, VA. Ms. Yarish would go on in June 1985 to star in 42nd Street at the Forrest Theater in Philadelphia, and in A Lile Help From My Friends at the Philadelphia Society Hill Playhouse. She would reprise her role in 42nd Street in December 1985 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando, FL.

The Fall 1982 Chapter Report appeared in the Winter 1983 Star and Lamp: “The purchase of Alpha Rho’s first house has been a great driving force behind the Brothers and has developed a greater sense of unity. The house is shaping up nicely, and with the aid of several very success- ful fundraisers, more improvements are in the works. This semester, as in the past, our aen- on has turned to PUSH. The Brothers are looking forward to a very successful PUSH-A-Thon like the one held last year, and a very producve year in all aspects.”

1983 - Chapter Reorganizaon On February 23, 1983, Pi Kappa Phi Naonal Chapter Services Consultant Glenn Dickson visited Alpha Rho Chapter aer three consecuve semesters of below-average stascs from traveling Leadership Consultants. Archon Giles Davidson (AP104) hosted Brother Dickson’s visit and de- cided that a full chapter reorganizaon would be the best approach to raising the chapter’s sta- scs in membership, academics and finance. 11 undergraduate members were placed on im- mediate alumnus status, which le 10 acve undergraduates to re-build the chapter. The chap- ter’s charter was not revoked by the Naonal Fraternity; rather, the charter was placed in es- crow with the local Alumni Advisory Council unl the undergraduate chapter re-built its founda- on. The Alumni Advisory Council consisted of Dean John Brisbane (Chapter Advisor Emeritus),

26 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

Dean Nicholas Evans (Chapter Advisor), Patrick Farley (AP67), Robert Laughner (AP68), Craig Winkelmann (AP69), and Charles Francis (AP81).

The 10 acve members and the five Associate Members of the Spring 1983 reorganizaon were known as “Core 15.” The Alpha Rho Execuve Council for the spring 1983 semester worked dili- gently to bring Alpha Rho back to higher ground. The Execuve Council consisted of Archon Giles Davidson (AP104), Vice-Archon James McCormick (AP96), Treasurer William Russell (AP122), Secretary Timothy Leary (AP125), Warden John C. Marano (AP120), and Historian/ Chaplain David Deskins (AP108). The remaining acves of Core 15 were C.R. Pia (AP124), Bret Michael (AP94), Ed Neese (AP95) and Gary Thompson (AP99).

The Spring 1983 Associate Member Class, and part of Core 15, was Thomas McCormick (AP129), David Cowgill (AP130), Chrisan Dersne (AP131), Donald McNeill (AP132) and Thomas Mooney (AP133).

During the reorganizaon, many chapter events, such as frequent spaghe dinners and formal rush pares were held in the apartment of brothers John C. “Jay” Marano, Jr. (AP120) and Charles R. “C.R.” Pia (AP124) located at 883 East Everly Street, Apartment 5, on the Evansdale Campus.

The Summer 1983 report from the Star and Lamp read: “During a recent membership evalua- on we found that many of the “acves” were not actually as acve aer all. These members were interviewed and asked to help support building of the fraternity in order to give Alpha Rho a solid, dependable membership base with which to connue strengthening our chapter. Our main goal now, this spring, was to once again raise $1,000 for Project PUSH – a minimum chap- ter of contribuon of $1,000 qualifies for membership in the President’s Club at Supreme Chap- ter. Alpha Rho will become the first chapter to hold this award for five years running. Many thanks to the alumni who connue to support Alpha Rho, and we encourage you to let us hear from you oen.”

The 10 acve brothers along with the five new spring 1983 iniates spent most of the fall of 1983 and spring of 1984 building relaonships with freshmen in the Towers Residence Hall. It was through this connuous, daily, focused and sincere recruitment that the chapter grew from ### to ### the end of the 1984 spring semester (Jay has dates and numbers)

In lieu of a spring Rose Ball Formal due to the chapter size, a Rose Ball Banquet was held at Tony’s Restaurant on April 29, 1983. Brother Giles Davidson was presented with the Lawrence F. Oneacre Award during the banquet. Special guests at the dinner were outgoing Chapter Advisor Dr. John Brisbane and his wife Leah, and incoming Chapter Advisor Dr. Nicholas Evans and his wife JoAnn.

Due to landlord disputes regarding a lack of maintenance at the chapter house at 206 Grant Street, Brother Giles Davidson decided it was best to vacate the house in the summer of 1983. Events were held at the rented house of Brother Davidson, 1030 Willowdale Drive (next to Blue Lot at Milan Puskar Stadium).

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In September 1983, Alpha Rho welcomed Brother Randy Owen (Delta Epsilon, Jacksonville State University) and the members of the band ALABAMA to WVU for a concert. Randy Owen had just been inducted to the Pi Kappa Phi Naonal Hall of Fame in August 1983.

The chapter celebrated Homecoming 1983 with parents and alumni during the weekend of Oc- tober 14-16, 1983.

The Fall 1983 Chapter report appeared in the Winter 1984 Star and Lamp: “This year the Alpha Rho Chapter has been very successful. We have decided to raise our standards. We are plan- ning to raise $2,500 for PUSH, help out more in the community, and get our largest pledge class ever. We started out the year was a very successful canoe trip on Cheat Lake in the Morgan- town area. We rented canoes, paddled down the lake, and had a picnic. It went so well that we hope to make it an annual event. Homecoming weekend was the next main event. We had great pleasure in entertaining our alumni both before the game with a tailgate and aer with a recepon. The next main event we are all ancipang is our Founder’s Day Formal which will be held at the house of Dean Brisbane, who is the Dean of Admissions and Records. This se- mester has gone quite well for Alpha Rho and next semester will be even beer.”

1984 Prior to the spring semester of 1984, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity presented each undergraduate chapter a handsome brass bell to be rung at the beginning of each meeng. The bell was in- scribed upon its base with the chapter name Alpha Rho. The chapter would also ring the bell during Formal Rush to gather everyone in aendance to be formally introduced to the newest Associate Member to accept his bid.

During the weekend of February 9-12, 1984 thirteen brothers and four associates traveled to Pipestem State Park in southern West Virginia for a retreat. They also traveled to Radford Uni- versity the same weekend to aend the Area lX Conclave. Alpha Rho was the largest chapter delegaon in aendance with 17 brothers.

On Saturday, April 7, 1984 Alpha Rho held its first Rose Ball formal since the reorganizaon of February 1983. The following Saturday, April 11, the brothers held their annual P.U.S.H.-a-thon at the Mountaineer Mall Parking Lot. The previous five years the chapter received the Naonal Fraternity’s President’s Club Award ($1,000 minimum annual contribuon) for its outstanding fundraising abilies.

Aer much research and numerous deliberaons with Judge Ronald G. Pearson of Charleston, WV, a least was signed between the Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon and Judge Pearson to se- cure the former Gamma Phi Beta Sorority House at 591 Spruce Street and the chapter officially moved in on Sunday, July 1, 1984. As the current Housing Corporaon had no collateral, 10 faithful alumni signed individual security notes of $1,000 each to come up with the $10,000 se- curity deposit for the property. Those alumni were John Brisbane, Giles Davidson, Nicholas Evans, Patrick Farley, Charles Francis, Charles Huber, Robert Laughner, John Marano, James Pe- terson and Craig Winkelmann. Having this house away from Fraternity Row, but across from the Sorories gave Alpha Rho the foong it needed to grow in the mid and late 1990's. The chapter increased its size considerably during this me. Mr. Bill Coleman remained the President of the

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Alpha Rho Alumni Housing Corporaon. Giles Davidson was name Vice President of the Hous- ing Corporaon.

The 1984 Summer Report from the Star and Lamp stated: “We have nine pledges with the best atudes we’ve seen in a long me. We have had two separate fundraisers for PUSH to help us reach our goal of $2,500 and are one of the proudest Pi Kapp chapters. During February 9-12 we held a very successful retreat in southern West Virginia where 13 Brothers and 4 Associates were in aendance. We then proceeded down to Area IX Conclave at Radford University where we had the largest delegaon in aendance. The whole weekend was successful.”

Brothers Chris Dersne (AP131), Victor Folio (AP135), Jay Marano (AP120), Tom McCormick (AP129) and Ma Reedy (AP139) aended Pi Kappa College in Roanoke August 5-9, 1984.

Tom McCormick (AP129) was appointed the Chapter’s first House Manager in August 1984.

Patrick Folio (AP147) won the Bell Award in fall 1984

On December 7, 1984 the annual “Wine and Cheese” Founders’ Day Recepon was held at the fraternity house instead of the Brisbane’s home for the first me since the chapter was re-char- tered. The fraternity house was decorated for the Christmas holiday. There were candles, pine garlands on the fireplace mantels and a Christmas tree decorated with strings of popcorn hand made by the brothers. Special guests in aendance that night were Chapter Advisor Emeritus Dr. John and Leah Brisbane and Chapter Advisor Dr. Nick Evans and JoAnn Evans.

1985 The Chapter’s First Groundhog Day Party, the brainstorming result of Brother Erik Presto (AP142) was held on Saturday, February 2, 1985 at the chapter house.

At the Spring Formal of 1985, Brother Giles Davidson (AP104), represenng the Alpha Rho Alumni Advisory Council, returned the chapter charter to the undergraduate chapter. There was a brief ceremony to remove the charter from escrow and place it back into the hands of the chapter under the leadership of Archon Victor Folio (AP135).

During Supreme Chapter 1985 in Charloe NC, Lisa Chrisna Hall (Kappa Kappa Gamma) was named First Runner-Up for the Naonal Rose Queen. Lisa hailed from Clarksburg, WV.

1986 By 1986, Alpha Rho was once again a leader on campus, and Brother Ken Price (AP157) was elected President of the WVU Interfraternity Council. Brother Price was the first Alpha Rho un- dergraduate to serve on the IFC Board.

The Summer 1986 Star and Lamp featured Alpha Rho in the Chapter Spotlight: “Alpha Rho at West Virginia sees success; Years of work pay off. The Alpha Rho Chapter has had a somewhat unique past. Like so many chapters, it has had its share of difficules. Alpha Rho began in May of 1930 through the efforts of Brother A. Pelzer Wagener. However, the chapter only remained on the campus of West Virginia University for a period of nine years. As me passed there were

29 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History connued efforts by a small number of alumni to bring Alpha Rho back to life. Finally, aer much perseverance, their dreams became a reality in November of 1978. The Rechartering event occurred in the very same locaon, with the same menu, as did the original chartering. The chapter again started out strong, but within a period of five years that chapter ran into the same difficules it had experienced in 1930. This me, however, the charter was not withdrawn by the naonal organizaon, instead the chapter was reorganized. Three and a half years have passed since that reorganizaon, and the men of Alpha Rho are very proud to say that they are an integral part of the thriving fraternity world at WVU. Success did not come to the chapter overnight; rather, it was a slow but rewarding process. The reorganizaon had le the chapter with a core of ten Brothers and five Associates. “Core Fieen” as it was called, pulled together and set out to become a fraternity which they could be extremely proud of. Alpha Rho is now the strongest it has ever been in its history. Forty-five Brothers will return to West Virginia this fall. They will connue to improve their membership, both qualitavely and quantavely. It is difficult to determine exactly what made the chapter’s reorganizaon so successful. It is un- doubtedly the result of a combinaon of various factors. The one that is most readily idenfi- able is the fact that the rebuilding process was done carefully, rather than hasly. The chapter had a few lean semesters, but never did it sacrifice quality for quanty. This, combined with strong leadership and plenty of organizaon, carried the Alpha Rho Chapter through its difficult past. The future is bright for Alpha Rho and it is certain that they will connue to prosper as long as they never forget the difficult me behind them.”

Brothers Joe Cabell (AP160), Patrick Folio (AP147), Phil Lowe (AP153) and Ken Price (AP157) at- tended the 1986 Pi Kappa College in Roanoke, VA, and returned with the Bronze Star Award for raising a minimum of $2,500 for Project PUSH, a second place finish for the Management Award, the Added Value Award for having more than three Alumni Iniates, and the +5 Award for iniang five more Associate Members than our goal. More impressively, Alpha Rho brought home the Theron Houser Award for most improved chapter in the naon!

Alpha Rho parcipated in the 1986 WVU Homecoming events for the first me, teaming up with Delta Delta Delta Sorority and winning First Place for the week! Brother Patrick Folio (AP147) was selected as a finalist for “Mr. Mountaineer” that year.

1987 In 1987, Jay Marano, Jr. (AP120) was chosen to be an Area Counselor for Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity covering Area I and Area IX. Jay’s jurisdicon included the University of Pisburgh, Indiana Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock University, West Virginia University, Marshall University and West Virginia Instute of Technology. In the same year, Brother Marano became the Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon Vice President.

1987 also brought Alpha Rho recognion as Armando Bonilla (AP169) was selected Drum Major of the presgious WVU Mountaineer Marching Band.

We iniated Slippery Rock someme in 1987?

The fall of 1987 saw new faces on the Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon. Bill Coleman resigned as President. A full Housing Board was put into place with President Craig Winkelmann (AP69),

30 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History

Vice President Jay Marano (AP120), Treasurer Victor Folio (AP135), Secretary James Smallridge (AP__), and President Emeritus Bill Coleman.

Brother Joe Cabell (AP__) was appointed the WVU Interfraternity Council Vice President of Rush.

1988 During Pi Kapp College 1988 in Dallas, Texas, Brother Armando Bonilla (AP169) was named Sec- ond Runner-Up for Pi Kappa Phi’s Naonal Student of the Year and was selected to be part of the Ritual Team for Pi Kapp College.

The tenth anniversary of the Rechartering of Alpha Rho Chapter was celebrated in 1988 at the Hotel Morgan.

1989 In 1989, Brother Bonilla (AP169) was selected WVU’s Greek Man of the Year and named First Runner-Up for “Mr. Mountaineer!”

On March 14, 1989, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Assistant Execuve Director Glenn Dickson wrote to Alpha Rho Archon Jare Bush (AP190), requiring a leer to be received in Charloe, NC by no later than April 1, 1989 signed by all chapter officers indicang compliance with the Fraternity’s Risk Management Policy, and especially the secon dealing with the purchase of alcohol with chapter funds. This leer would be the first of many conversaons between Pi Kappa Phi Na- onal Fraternity and Alpha Rho Chapter about a problem that would eventually lead to the chapter’s charter being revoked 26 years later in 2015.

Alpha Rho was chosen to be the official Iniaon Team to bring Zeta Pi Chapter at Marshall Uni- versity into Pi Kappa Pho on Friday, September 29, 1989 in Hunngton, West Virginia. Ten Alpha Rho brothers parcipated in the Ritual: Dave Porter (AP__), Steve Duke (AP__), Tom Dahlquist (AP156), Dan Roy (AP__), Greg Hack (AP__), Tim Snow (AP__), Michael Turner (AP220), Jeff Kummer (AP241), Fred Lewis (AP__), and Ken Snyder (AP__).

In the 80’s, and as the decade was winding down, fraternies on campus were experiencing their height of popularity. Fraternity membership numbers averaged well over 100 men, and some fraternies were as large as 150 men. Pledge classes of 50 to 80 men were not out of the ordinary. Fraternies were largely seen as a way for underage men and women to drink without worrying about the legal drinking age. Massive pares with hundreds of kegs a night being tapped were the norm. Recruitment was about throwing the biggest pares and geng a bunch of freshman to show up. It was here when the legend of WVU as the naon's #1 Party School was formed. Consequently, and as might be expected the quality of Greek membership began to decline. Several unfortunate and high profile incidents began to put the Greeks under a mi- croscope. Hazing, alcohol poisoning, sexual assaults and a death on campus aer a Greek party, really had WVU officials quesoning the future of all Fraternies and Sorories. Our campus wasn’t alone in this phenomenon. Across the naon there were many similar incidents that re- sulted in mul-million dollar judgements against Naonal fraternies. The media took every opportunity to queson if there was sll a place for Greeks on American campuses. At the same

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me, the cost of insuring the homes and liability for Greeks began to skyrocket. As a result, many fraternies joined together to form purchasing groups to pool the risk. With these pur- chasing groups, the insurers insisted upon rules and risk prevenon measures being imple- mented as a condion of being insured.

So it was during the Mid-Year Leadership Conference aer the fall semester of 1989, Archon Brent Webster (AP219) was informed that Pi Kappa Phi would be joining several other naonal fraternies in what was then known as F.I.P.G. Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group. The rules of the group prohibited its member chapters from purchasing alcohol in bulk quanes (i.e. kegs, party balls, etc.) and did not allow for chapters to provide alcohol from common sources. It also prohibited chapters from having open pares. This news hit like a ton of bricks and sig- naled the end of unregulated pares. Brent Webster had the courage of his convicons and stated that regardless of what anyone thought, Pi Kappa Phi would abide by these rules at WVU.

1990 On St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) 1990, the Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon called an emergency meeng due to the owner of the Pi Kappa Phi house (Dr. Elias Cosanes), did not want to renew the chapter’s lease as he was leaning toward renng to a new sorority that had emerged on the WVU campus. Aer months of negoaon, a new lease was successfully negoated for one year with a three-year renewal agreement. During the March meeng, the Housing Corporaon elected new officers. The new Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon was President Jay Marano (AP120), Vice President Allen Ashforth (AP__), Treasurer Charles Pia (AP124), Secretary Charles Riggle (AP159), Alumnus Representave Keith Dague (AP146), Chapter Advisor Nicholas Evans (AP128), Undergraduate Archon Brent Webster (AP219), Undergraduate Representaves Dennis Resek (AP193) and John Gallagher (AP__).

We were the only Fraternity on campus to implement the changes and did not allow kegs or open pares beginning in the spring of 1990. This led to over half its members to quing Pi Kappa Phi. The other Fraternies on campus openly laughed at us and spread rumors around campus that we were now a "Dry" fraternity. The chapter was only able to recruit 4 associate members in the spring of 1990. However, with the brave and determined leadership of Brent Webster over his two semesters as Archon, the Chapter and its remaining members renewed and strengthened their commitment to the ideals of the Founders and of the Rechartering Brothers.

Aer the dark year of 1989-1990, the Chapter had 20 members, no visibility on campus but was determined to emerge based on a belief that Alpha Rho and Pi Kappa Phi could be a great fra- ternity. Aer a good recruitment in the fall of 1990, the Chapter gained momentum and began to fight for respect. Strong and focused leaders such as Mike “Norm” Frola (AP__), Andy Dunn (AP__), T.J Katz (AP__), Kurt Bolland (AP__), Chris Vari (AP__), Kevin and Rob Wallace (AP__), and Tom Begley (AP284) emerged from the legacy of Brent Webster and were determined to make Pi Kappa Phi the leading Fraternity on the campus of WVU.

1991 Beginning in the spring of 1991 Archon TJ Katz (AP__) and Vice Archon Tom Begley (AP284) led an unprecedented recruitment effort using innovave techniques that saw the Chapter bring in

32 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History and iniate 38 new members over two semesters. Alpha Rho also gained newfound respect among the Greek community by leading in the Risk Management area proving that we could have fun yet be responsible. As other fraternies on campus struggled and resisted the changes that we had made in 1990, we moved forward. Our members were beginning to make a real impact on campus. The Chapter was honored and inspired by our Brother Rich Harbert who was selected as a rider for the Journey of Hope. His training, parcipaon and compleon in this event were, and sll is, a source of tremendous pride for Alpha Rho. The academic achievement of the Chapter during this me also began to emerge.

In 1991, Alpha Rho was represented on the PUSH America bicycle team with Rich Harbert (AP__) who rode from San Francisco, CA to Charleston, SC in me for Supreme Chapter. The Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon added T.J. Katz (AP253) as the Undergraduate Archon, and Un- dergraduate Representave Tom Begley (AP284) replaced Dennis Resek.

During the 1991 meeng of the Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon, a new Board of Directors was elected: President Patrick Farley (AP67), Vice President Chuck Riggle (AP159), Treasurer C.R. Pia (AP124), Secretary Tom Dulaney (AP165), Chapter Advisor Nicholas Evans (AP128), Alum- nus Representave Victor Folio (AP135), Undergraduate Archon Jon Paerson (AP296), and Un- dergraduate Members Greg Hack (AP__) and Mike Frola (AP268).

Pi Kappa Phi was once again represented with the WVU Interfraternity Council when Brother Tom Begley (AP284) was elected Execuve Vice President for the 1991-92 academic year and President for the 1992-93 academic year. Andrew Dunn (AP288) served with Brother Begley as the IFC Vice President of Public Relaons for the 1992-93 academic year.

While serving as the WVU IFC President, Brother Begley also served as the Execuve Vice Presi- dent of the Northeast Interfraternity Conference (NEIFC) for the 1992-93 academic year.

1992 The Chapter began winning intramural compeons and for the first me ever, won the Greek Week compeon and Delta Gamma’s Anchor Splash. Under the guidance of Andy Dunn and Jon Paerson, the chapter held its first all Greek compeon in the spring of 1992 to raise mon- ey and awareness for Push America (Now called Ability Experience). We raised more money for our philanthropy in this one week then Alpha Rho had collecvely raised in all the years on campus to that point. By that me, we were the “It” fraternity on campus. With the difficules of the 1990 calendar year clearly behind us, we were thriving.

The November 14, 1992 meeng of the Alpha Rho Housing Corporaon re-elected the officers, and replaced the Alumnus Representave with Jay Marano (AP120), and the Undergraduate Representaves with Tom Begley (AP284) and Andrew M. Dunn (AP288).

1993 The Chapter had the highest cumulave GPA of all Greek organizaons in the 1992-1993 Acad- emic year. The hard work, good pracces and results paid off for Alpha Rho when we were rec- ognized as Best Fraternity on Campus for the 1992-1993 Academic year.

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Jeff Geissler (AP254) joined the Journey of Hope (formerly PUSH America) team in the summer of 1993 as a photographer and public relaons representave.

1995 Aer 9 years at 591 Spruce St., Pi Kappa Phi Properes assisted in the purchase of 650 Spruce Street. Mike Turner (AP220) became Housing Corporaon President was the driving influence behind Alpha Rho finally being able to purchase a home. He worked with Alumni and with local banks to secure the financing necessary to enter into the agreement with Pi Kapp Properes. For over 25 years, Mike has served connually as Housing Corporaon President. No one has done more for Alpha Rho connually then Mike Turner.

1999 In the late 1990's, two Alumni had observed that over the years Alumni parcipaon was virtu- ally non- existent and that if the Chapter was to thrive, we needed a stable and acve alumni base. Eric Dyson (AP355) and Anthony Graley (AP359) established the Alpha Rho Alumni Chap- ter in 1999. Using technology and burgeoning social networks they created a database that linked Alpha Rho all the way back to Charles Leet, AP1. It was the first me regular communica- on was used to allow Alumni to talk to and plan events with other Alumni. The Alumni Chapter became well organized and truly producve under the leadership of Ben Hanko (AP434). Ben led the Alumni Chapter as it planned and hosted several events that were aended by Alumni as far back as the 1970's

2003 Ben Hanko (AP434) guided the 25th Anniversary Celebraon of the Rechartering of Alpha Rho that was aended by over 170 Alumni and guests over a 4 day period in 2003. The success of the 25th Anniversary can be aributed to the yeomen’s amount of work by co-chairs Tom Begley (AP284) and Patrick Folio (AP147).

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The Aughtys and beyond.

At the dawn of the new Millennium, Alpha Rho lost its long me Chapter Advisor Dr. Nick Evans who resigned from the University aer serving as Associate Dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Nick had been the Chapter Advisor since the early 1980's. To fill the void, Former Archon and Alumni Chapter founder Eric Dyson (AP355) took over the dues. Almost immedi- ately, Eric was faced with enormous challenges with risk management violaons and housing problems. Since he pledged in the fall of 1992, Eric has been acve in all aspects of the Chapter. He and Mike Turner are responsible for having our Chapter connually on campus for as long as it has been.

Aer the 25th Rechartering, Tom Begley, AP284 was elected to the office of Alumni Chapter President. Tom had served on the Board of the Alumni Chapter and Housing Corporaon and had remained acve in the Chapter since graduaon in 1993. During most of the 2000's, Tom

34 | Page Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – A History assisted Eric Dyson as a member of the Board of Alumni Advisors and helped him create many of the processes that were put in place to assist the chapter. Tom has overseen both the 30th and 35th Rechartering anniversary celebraons in 2008 and 2014. As an undergraduate, Tom was part of the Execuve Council during the 1990-91 year and served as Warden for Brent Web- ster during the tumultuous period in our Chapter's history.

During the late 2000's, the Chapter had strayed far from the ideals of the Founders and its members really detached themselves from the Rechartering spirit of Alpha Rho. The chapter found itself dangerously close to losing the Charter as the Naonal Office and Naonal Council had grown frustrated with the connual violaons of Risk Management policies and proce- dures. Ma Loffa, AP 628 became Archon in 2011 and led the Chapter in a new and different direcon. He implemented changes to processes and held members to account for their fi- nances and to uphold the Oath they took during iniaon. He oversaw incredible recruitment efforts that gave us associate class sizes that had never been achieved before. His efforts kept Alpha Rho afloat during some of the most difficult and tumultuous mes in Alpha Rho’s history. Aer graduaon, he stayed acve within the Fraternity and with Alpha Rho.

The chapter celebrated its 30th Anniversary of the Rechartering at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown. Pi Kappa Phi Chief Execuve Officer Mark E. Timmes (AE, Florida) was the key- note speaker. Patrick Farley (AP67) emceed the event.

By the spring of 2014, the Alpha Rho Chapter had once again fallen back into a paern of risk management violaons and not adhering to the standards that Pi Kappa Phi and Alpha Rho Alumni have set for the chapter. Tom Begley was asked by the Naonal Office to step into the role of Chapter Advisor to help turn things around. Alpha Rho was placed on an Acon Plan that gave its members the choice of returning to the foundaons of membership or removing them- selves from acve membership. In spite of the numerous verbal and wrien warnings, the Chapter connued to blatantly disregard the Risk Management policies. In May of 2015, the na- onal organizaon brought the Chapter up on formal charges and was brought before a com- miee of the Naonal Council where the Archon had to answer for the mulple transgressions in a very difficult and tumultuous hearing. Aer deliberaons and consultaons were held with the University and Alumni leaders led by Tom Begley, Eric Dyson and Mike Turner, the Naonal Council voted to revoke the Charter of Alpha Rho. For the first me in 37 years, Alpha Rho did not have a Student Chapter on the campus of West Virginia University.

Although this was a sad and regreable event, plans were immediately put in place to reorga- nize Alpha Rho. Thanks to the cooperave spirit that the Alumni, University and Naonal Staff worked under during this me, Alpha Rho was assured that a Student Chapter would be re- turned to campus as early as possible.

Fortunately, the Housing Corporaon was able to enter into an agreement with the University to lease the property during our hiatus and ensured financial stability. At the same me, efforts were made and to reconstute the Alumni Chapter. A new Constuon and Bylaws along with a Code of Conduct were wrien and rafied by members. Tom Begley was granted permission to retain his role as President and Chief Execuve Officer and named a Board of Directors that was comprised of members who spanned all eras of Alpha Rho’s 37 years since Rechartering in 1978.

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As part of the new responsibilies outlined in the new Constuon, a Commiee was formed to evaluate all aspects that led to the revocaon of the Charter and to recommend processes to ensure that it never happens again.

In July 2016, the Alpha Rho Alumni Chapter lead by President and Chief Execuve Officer Tom Begley (AP284) won the Alumni Chapter of the Year award during the 55th Supreme Chapter in Ausn, Texas.

Throughout the year 2017, Tom Begley (AP284) and the Alpha Rho Alumni Chapter Board of Di- rectors connued to have monthly meengs via conference calls, and sponsored two events in Morgantown: the Spring Alumni Weekend in April 2017 and Homecoming in October 2017. Both events were milestone events in aendance. In the Fall of 2017, APAC President and CEO Tom Begley received a call from Mark Timmes, Execuve Director of Pi Kappa Phi Naonal Fra- ternity, informing him of the great news that the Alpha Rho Chapter peon to the Naonal Council had been approved and expansion efforts for the re-chartering of Alpha Rho chapter at WVU would start in January, 2018. This news, combined with the approval of Pi Kappa Phi to return to the WVU fraternity and sorority community, started an avalanche of great events for Alpha Rho.

On the last Sunday of January 2018, Parker Begale and Conner Burk arrived on campus and be- gan building the foundaon for the new associate chapter.

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